At Roman Way Academy we are committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people.

🛡️ Safeguarding Update – Who to Speak To if You Have a Concern

The Designated Senior Leader (DSL) for Safeguarding is the Headteacher, Sital Shah.  The Deputy Designated Senior Leaders (DDSLs) are the Assistant Headteacher, Anna Dean, and Reception Teacher, Becca Rees.   Please speak to them if you have any concerns about the welfare of a child.

At our school, keeping every child safe is our highest priority. If you ever have a concern about a child’s wellbeing or safety, whether it relates to your own child or another, please know that we are here to help.

All DSLs are trained to support children and families when there are concerns about safety, wellbeing, or anything that may be affecting a child’s ability to feel secure and happy in school.

🌟 What does a DSL do?

A DSL is the person in school responsible for:

- Listening to concerns raised by children, parents, or staff

- Offering support, guidance, and next steps

- Working with families to ensure children are safe and well

- Liaising with external agencies when needed

- Making sure our safeguarding procedures are followed correctly

DSLs are approachable, supportive, and here to help, no concern is ever too small. If something doesn’t feel right, or you’re unsure whether to share it, please speak to one of them. It’s always better to talk things through.

📞 How to Contact a DSL

•  For non‑urgent safeguarding queries:

Email admin@romanway.herts.sch.uk and a DSL will get back to you.

•  For urgent safeguarding concerns where harm may be imminent:

Call the school office immediately on 01763 241535 or come and speak to us in person so we can respond straight away.

Our pupils in KS1 and KS2 took part in the NSPCC's 'Speak out, stay safe' programme in May 2026. Year 2 children were visited by NSPCC volunteers who ran a workshop on how to stay safe, recognise their feelings, and know who they can talk to if they are ever worried.

All children at Roman Way are encouraged to tell a trusted adult if they ever feel unsafe or have a worry.

Adaptations are made to help children express their feelings and worries if they are unable to voice them. We recognise that all behaviour is communication. Staff are aware that there are many different signs that could indicate a child is at risk, including changes in behaviour. 

We work in partnership with parents and families, and external agencies, to support children in every way possible.  In line with the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, schools are expected to make a referral to Children's Services if they believe there is a possibility of risk to a child.  Parents will be contacted when concerns arise in most cases, except for when it is deemed that a child is at immediate risk of harm.

All staff receive regular safeguarding training and updates.  In addition, we have a good number of fully trained paediatric first-aiders.

The Headteacher follows the Safer Recruitment guidelines for any employment of staff.

As part of our Safeguarding of Children Protection Procedures, all staff and volunteers must undergo a full Disclosure and Barring Service check undertaken before starting their role, which will be undertaken by the Trust.

Our Child Protection Policy, Online Safety Policy and Whistleblowing Policy can be accessed on our Policies page.

Thank you for working with us to keep our school community safe.